What does it sound like?:
Was it really five years ago that Paul Simon appeared at Hyde Park – where did that time go? Finally, we get this two cd plus dvd set to commemorate the occasion, and damn fine it is too.
The first half of the set combines a selection of his hits, starting off with the sublime Kodachrome and including Dazzling Blue from his then current album So Beautiful Or So What. Perhaps the centrepiece of this first set is four songs performed by and with Jimmy Cliff, although annoyingly while all four appear on the dvd, only two appear on the cd itself. Throw in crackers like 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, Slip Slidin’ Away and Hearts And Bones and you’ve already got the makings of a great show.
However, the highlight of this package for me is the second set, which showcases a performance of the seminal Graceland album, featuring to great effect Ray Phiri, Hugh Masakela and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. A great album majestically performed – I’m sure most know the songs by now, but suffice to say there’s an absolutely great version of Under African Skies included. To be fair though, the whole thing is excellent. Want more – the encores are The Boxer and The Sound Of Silence, closely followed by Late In The Evening and Still Crazy. It just doesn’t get any better than that!
A great souvenir of a great night.
What does it all *mean*?
What a catalogue this man has – he ranks right up there with Dylan as one of the premier singer songwriters of his era, and like Dylan his success and appeal has transcended the passing years. I wonder if we’ll ever see his like again.
Goes well with…
An evening spent reliving that summer’s night back in July of 2012.
Might suit people who like…
His solo albums, Simon and Garfunkel, or just top quality song writing.
Great review Bargie. I wasn`t in the capitol for the concert but I am a fan of Paul Simon`s music.
I have the 2CD/Bluray set, not played the Bluray disc yet but the audio is bloody superb. Your review is spot on, good work.
cheers BP.Not sure it got flagged on the blog but the great Ray Phiri died only 2 or 3 weeks ago.
Ah that’s a shame – I wasn’t aware of that news.
‘he ranks right up there with Dylan’. In my book he is better than Dylan not least because he has done (far) less shite so someone coming to him for the first time wouldn’t have to plough through the dross to find the good stuff.
I am agree. Simon is SOoooo much better. I think he’s a much better lyricist, but even if you disagree with that I don’t think anybody could dispute that his singing is better, his melodies more captivating, even his guitar playing superior. And where’s his Knocked Out Loaded/Under The Red Sky/Christmas album/covers album? No where, that’s where. America’s finest.
Googling “Bob Dylan vs Paul Simon” produces some interesting articles and debates on the subject.
WTF? What has Dylan got to do with this Paul Simon concert review? All the usual bollocks coming out. Who gives a flying feck who is better. I have all the albums by both Bobbie & Paulie, I even have lyric books by both but I don`t compare them.
Fecking hell Shakin`(g?) Stevens` fans are convinced Shakey is better than both PS & BD. Case closed.
Much to consider there, Baron. Your basic thesis has won me over. I think I have never regretted anything in my life as much as I now regret having made such a foolhardy comparison. (SteveT you should be ashamed of yourself, leading me astray like that). Down with irrelevant ranking! Up with other things! Yes!
Read the fucking review @BaronHarkonnen – my response was to a comment made in the review. I offered my opinion on the comment that appeared in the review so yes it is relevant. Now get back in your box.
xx
Dang right, SteveT. That Baron’s an awful eejit, now I come to think about it. I’d ban him from the internet if it were up to me. I might write a letter to someone in charge.
@SteveT & @Gary – If wit was shit you`d both be constipated. ; ))
Clowns to the left, jokers to the right and I`ve even got the Shakin` Stevens Fan Club emailing me.
I am constipated! I don’t know what led you to assume I wasn’t. Innate kindness, I’ll wager.
He is an ageing hippy who took too many acid tabs methinks. Anyway Baron why bring Gerry Rafferty into it – everyone knows he is dead?
Anyway to coin Mr Simon you’re still crazy after all these years.
Aye and I know someone who lives in the Black Country who`s feckin` brain dead. Michelle feckin` Shocked my arse!
And that Gary, he`s the king of jollity.
I can’t believe we’ve got this far down the thread without anyone mentioning my cheekbones.
Wait, what was that about Gerry Rafferty?
Well Dylan has released almost 3 times as many albums as Simon so there will almost certainly be more shite in his catalogue. I saw this tour and the show was excellent. Have seen about 15 Dylan shows which have varied from transcendental to decent to appalling.
Most disappointing gig of my life was P S at Cornbury . Phoned it in . Guess they all have off days
God yes I was there. Awful!
Well that’s a shame you didn’t enjoy it, but I can tell you that I, and the group that I was with, loved it. The S&G stuff (Only Living in Boy in NY, brilliant!), Sounds of Silence unaccompanied, you could have heard a pin drop, at a bloody festival! The Graceland stuff was magical – what a band. Awful? Not from where I was standing
Was at this show with many Afterworders lost in the flood (ie not here anymore)
Was day after the infamous Springsteen power cut night
Brilliant gig on wonderfully sunny day. Sound Of Silence with Jerry Douglas was an obvious but heartwarming highlight
I was at the Springsteen power cut gig and it is to my eternal regret that I didn’t stay over and go to this one. I have seen Paul Simon live 4 times and he has never phoned it in at any the gigs I saw. In fact he always puts lots of thought into setlist to get the best out of the musicians he has with him.
and so does Bobbity Dylan, he has good muso`s all around him.
Saw Dylan once – great band but apart from Not Dark yet the songs we’re unrecognizable including Like a Rolling Stone.
I can beat that Stevio, last time I saw Bobbity I didn`t recognise any fuckin` songs. Well that was until I walked out and had a good night out in Liverpool instead.
He`s still recorded at least 7 albums that are better than Paulio`s finest. OOAA but wrong or Gerry Rafferty`s a Dutchman.
I was also at this gig. Great rendition of The Boxer. Might invest in this, for the memories.